Scielo RSShttp://www.scielo.org.za/rss.php?pid=1021-447X20080002&lang=es
vol. 19 num. 2 lang. eshttp://www.scielo.org.za/img/en/fbpelogp.gifhttp://www.scielo.org.za
Uncertainties within South Africa's goal of universal access to electricity by 2012]]>http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-447X2008000200001&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es
The South African President in 2004 stated the policy goal of universal access to electricity by 2012. This goal requires a significant adjustment of annual connection targets and electrification budgets, based on accurate knowledge of the number of electrified and non-electrified households in South Africa. Published data on the state of electrification, however, varies widely, with reported proportions of households electrified in 2005 varying from 57% to 80%. In addition, apparent discrepancies of tens of thousands of connections exist between annual new connection rates reported in different official publications. Different definitions of Universal Access further impact strategic planning. This paper explores these uncertainties in relation to South Africa's goal of Universal Access by 2012 by focusing on the availability and accuracy of South African electrification data, and the definitions, targets and electrification budgets associated with Universal Access.Analysis of the efficacy of a simplified infrared energy management system]]>http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-447X2008000200002&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es
This paper summarizes a comparison of an always-on and a programmable type industrial style infrared dryer. The load power supplied for each kind of dryer is analysed. The design and implementation of an infrared radiation controller is also presented. The study includes both the theoretical aspects of the design process as well as an overview of the practical facets involved. The infrared drying system controller was subjected to comparative testing with an on/off control model, in order to observe the controller's performance and validate its effectiveness. The proposed controller contributes to a more energy efficient drying system than the always-on techniques that are employed to fluctuate the heater temperature.Development of a biofuel lamp and its comparison with a kerosene lamp]]>http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-447X2008000200003&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es
An attempt has been made to explore the suitability of crude Jatropha curcas seed oil (biofuel) as a fuel in substituting fully one of the important petroleum products like Kerosene. Expeller is used for the extraction of oil which is further filtered. This crude oil has a very high viscosity and, as result, cannot flow through capillary action in a standard lamp and, hence, requires viscosity reduction by a trans esterification process to convert it into biodiesel or by any other processes. But this is a complex chemical reaction and the cost of production becomes almost doubled unless glycerine is not recovered as a by-product. Hence, the paper describes the development of a unique lamp (lantern) fuelled by 100% biofuel (crude jatropha oil) for its illumination and its comparative performance with respect to a standard kerosene lamp.An energy system planning model for the industrial sector in Nigeria]]>http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-447X2008000200004&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es
This paper reports the energy system modelling projection in the industrial sector of Nigeria. It is carried out to provide a long term perspective on the Scenario buildings for the industrial energy system of Nigeria. The projections have inter-sectoral consistency only to the extent those of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have to the inter-industrial linkages, which are no doubt important. However, it appears that input-output tables have not been instructed and regularly impeded and expanded as part of the planning scenarios that have been generated on the contested demand, which is to assume constant energy intensity in future years. The basis for projecting energy demand in the industrial sector is to estimate the likely changes in energy consumption intensity and the ratio of energy consumption to value added. It is considered expedient and pragmatic to use a scenario for constructing an optimal level forecast, projecting a desirable energy equilibrium pattern for the year 2010.